Playing with Suarez is easy because he never stays still, says Coutinho (who reveals how Gerrard gave him the hurry-up)

New Kop hero Philippe Coutinho wants to form a famous Liverpool partnership with Luis Suarez - and has revealed how a hurry up from Steven Gerrard has helped him blossom at Anfield.

Coutinho has been a breath of fresh air
since his £6.5million arrival in January from Inter Milan, striking up
an instant rapport with top scorer Luis Suarez.

Asked about Suarez, he said: 'I hope that (we become a great partnership) in future and we achieve great things. Suarez is a fantastic player. It is an honour for me to play with him.

On the volley: Coutinho plays a bit of volleyball during training at Melwood

'It is so much easier to play alongside a player like him because he is always on the move, he never stays still.

'When you have the ball it is much better for you to have a player like that because you can open the defence much more.'

His understanding with Suarez has become one of the key factors in Liverpool's rise since the turn of the year, but a few words of wisdom from his captain Gerrard also played their part.

Partner in crime: Luis Suarez has formed a dangerous partnership with Coutinho

'We always communicate on the pitch in Spanish, he speaks Spanish and I understand it. I spent six months in Spain so can get by quite well with it. It is not only him. The other players are always trying to help me get better.

'There were a few occasions when I was quite slow and Steven Gerrard told me to be much quicker with the ball and to mark the opposition players quicker.

'The manager communicates with me in Spanish and always asks me to come into the middle and try to open the play to the wide areas or go straight on. He’s playing me in the position I like best, on the left, but able to come inside.'

He is under no illusions about the minimum target for Liverpool as Brendan Rodgers's side attempt to bring some measure of success to Anfield's transition season.

Victory over West Ham would set up a sprint for fifth place and a return to the Europa League next season, with Chelsea's visit and the Anfield derby with Everton the only major obstacles to overcome.

The Brazilian said: 'It's very
important for the club and for the players. Liverpool must play for
European trophies all the time. We will do our utmost in the last few
games to get maximum points in order for us reach a place in the Europa
League.'

His understanding with Suarez has become one of the key factors in Liverpool's rise since the turn of the year.

Coutinho, 20, has not only scored twice in six starts but Suarez has revelled in their on-field link-up.

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will head into the summer confident of strengthening his squad following 'brilliant' conversations with the club's owners.

It has been a rollercoaster first season in charge for Rodgers that began abysmally in the league, has included shock cup exits to former club Swansea and especially Oldham, but has gradually gathered some momentum.

In terms of much-needed European qualification, Liverpool are three points adrift of a Europa League place and seven off a spot in the Champions League.

Failure to reach either could alter the nature of future talks with John W Henry and Tom Werner about the funds required to take the club forward under Rodgers' leadership.

For now, Rodgers has been encouraged by what he has heard from the duo as he said: 'We all know this year has been about building a base and setting us up for next season.

'As I predicted, as the season has gone on we've become stronger, but there is no doubt for us to go to the next level we are going to need reinforcements.

'On that front, the conversations I've had so far with the owners have been brilliant, very positive and forthcoming.

'Given that support, it's up to us now as a club to bring in the type of player who can really help us.

'If we can do that then we can put in a challenge next season right from the very beginning.'